1.
Effects of oligosaccharide-sialic acid (OS) compound on maternal-newborn gut microbiome, glucose metabolism and systematic immunity in pregnancy: protocol for a randomised controlled study.
Wang, S, Peng, R, Qin, S, Liu, Y, Yang, H, Ma, J
BMJ open. 2019;(9):e026583
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gut microbiota participates in multiple human biological processes, including metabolism and immune responses. During pregnancy, the dynamics of gut microbiota is involved in physiological adaptation. The disturbed profile of microbiome is associated with maternal complications, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which further transfers to the offspring and influence their metabolic and immunological functions in the long term. Prebiotics targeting the gut microbiota and modulating metabolic and immune functions have been shown to be effective in non-pregnant populations with metabolic syndrome. Hence, we propose the use of a prebiotic supplement, oligosaccharide-sialic acid (OS) from the first trimester until delivery in pregnant women, can benefit maternal/new-born gut microbiome, glucose metabolism and innate immunity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this prospective double-blinded randomised clinical trial, recruited singleton pregnancies will be stratified by body mass index (BMI) and randomly assigned to consume the OS preparation or placebo daily from the first trimester. At seven later time points (before and after recruitment in the first trimester, in the middle and third trimesters, before delivery, at birth and 42 days postpartum), compliance will be evaluated and/or biological samples will be collected. Along with maternal clinical information, questionnaires on lifestyle and infant development will be recorded. The primary outcomes are the effect of OS on the maternal-offspring gut microbiome and GDM incidence. The secondary outcomes are maternal glycolipid biochemical parameters, cytokine profiles, weight gain during pregnancy and infant morbidities, growth and development. The study aims to validate the effects of OS on reducing maternal morbidity within different BMI groups. The multiple dimensional dataset generated from the study includes clinical and lifestyle-related information, various biological markers and associated protective or risk factors for morbidity and prognosis. An extended follow-up through 42 days after birth could further explore the intrauterine influence on the long-term health of offspring. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol has been approved by Peking University First Hospital, National Unit of Clinical Trial Ethics Committee (reference number: 164). The results are expected to be published in scientific manuscripts by 2021. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1800017192.
2.
The role of FODMAPs in irritable bowel syndrome.
Shepherd, SJ, Halmos, E, Glance, S
Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. 2014;(6):605-9
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition affecting approximately 10-15% of Western populations. The Rome III criteria are applied to many studies to validate the diagnosis of IBS. The low fermentable oligo, di, monosaccharides and polyol (FODMAP) diet has been the subject of many robust clinical trials and is now used as the primary dietary therapy internationally. This review examines the current evidence for the role of the low FODMAP diet in IBS. RECENT FINDINGS Detailed commentary on original research involving FODMAPs and IBS symptoms from 2013 to 2014 is provided. SUMMARY The low FODMAP diet has been shown to be an efficacious therapy for reduction of functional gastrointestinal symptoms seen in IBS. Recent publications provide randomized controlled trial and prospective observational evidence in support of the diet for symptom management. The low FODMAP diet appears to be superior to a gluten-free diet in people with self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity. Although the low FODMAP diet has not been shown to reduce the prebiotic effect in the colon, total colonic bacterial load was reduced. Further research investigating the potential health implications of both this and the nutritional adequacy of the liberalized low FODMAP diet is required.
3.
Role of inositolphosphoglycan mediators of insulin action in the polycystic ovary syndrome.
Nestler, JE, Jakubowicz, DJ, Iuorno, MJ
Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM. 2000;:1295-8
Abstract
Evidence suggests that some actions of insulin are mediated by putative inositolphosphoglycan (IPG) mediators, also known as second messengers. We review studies indicating that the IPG signaling system transduces insulin's stimulation of human thecal androgen biosynthesis, thus offering a mechanism by which insulin can stimulate ovarian androgen production even in women with PCOS whose tissues are resistant to insulin's stimulation of glucose metabolism. Furthermore, a deficiency in a specific D-chiro-inositol-containing IPG may contribute to insulin resistance in women with PCOS. In support of this idea, administration of D-chiro-inositol has been demonstrated to improve glucose tolerance, decrease serum androgens and improve ovulation in PCOS. The hypothesis is advanced that PCOS may be characterized by a defect in the conversion of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol, and that such a defect would contribute to both insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in the syndrome.